About the Book
Award-winning author and devoted mother, Yvonne Riley Bonadio, wrote A Letter from Heaven based on the Biblical hope of eternal life with God. This book was birthed from Yvonne’s love for her two daughters—Yvette and Belle. Yvonne’s life was forever changed when her eldest daughter, Yvette, died in a car accident two weeks before her eleventh birthday. Belle was nine years old at the time.
The inspiration for A Letter from Heaven came as a whisper from God one Sunday morning while Yvonne was in church silently praying for her surviving daughter, Belle. Devasted by the loss of her beloved sister, Belle found solace and healing in dancing. She and her sister had both become immersed in ballet at an early age, and Belle exhibited exceptional talent and interest. Belle could usually be found in her ballet studio, losing herself in dance.
On a Sunday morning three years after Yvette’s passing, Yvonne and Belle were waiting to find out if Belle had been accepted into the prestigious summer ballet program at the School of American Ballet in New York City. Yvonne prayed, “Oh Lord, if this program would be good for Belle, please answer with a YES.”
At that moment, Yvonne heard a soft voice in her head say, “You know, a few years ago I held a private audition in Heaven for a little ballerina.” This message brought tears to Yvonne’s eyes as she began to envision her dear Yvette dancing in paradise. Yvonne imagined the amazing sights set before her daughter, and the fantastic adventures she must be experiencing. The steady stream of heavenly images dwelled in Yvonne’s mind, and offered healing and sweetness to her pain. Feeling inspired as her broken heart began to mend, Yvonne decided to share her impressions with others in hopes of helping them as well.
Composing her thoughts as though Yvette was writing a letter to her from Heaven, Yvonne reflected on the things Yvette loved the most while she was here on earth: the Chronicles of Narnia, Mother Teresa, Monet paintings, ballet, guitar lessons, and leopards. Yvette, an animal lover, would often say, “When I get to Heaven, I’m going to have my very own leopard.”
At some point in our lives, we may encounter a moment when a young child asks about death and Heaven. This story is a tender and insightful way to introduce children to such a complex topic. A Letter from Heaven sparks curiosity and a desire to learn more about God’s love and His plan for our eternal life.
For those of you who have lost children, Yvonne hopes this book will help you imagine your child living a wondrous life in paradise.
(Note: Yvonne’s prayer was answered. Belle was accepted into the program in NYC, both to the School of American Ballet, and the American Ballet Theater. Belle is now happily married with two children. She still enjoys dancing.)
About the Book
Award-winning author and devoted mother, Yvonne Riley Bonadio, wrote A Letter from Heaven based on the Biblical hope of eternal life with God. This book was birthed from Yvonne’s love for her two daughters—Yvette and Belle. Yvonne’s life was forever changed when her eldest daughter, Yvette, died in a car accident two weeks before her eleventh birthday. Belle was nine years old at the time.
The inspiration for A Letter from Heaven came as a whisper from God one Sunday morning while Yvonne was in church silently praying for her surviving daughter, Belle. Devasted by the loss of her beloved sister, Belle found solace and healing in dancing. She and her sister had both become immersed in ballet at an early age, and Belle exhibited exceptional talent and interest. Belle could usually be found in her ballet studio, losing herself in dance.
On a Sunday morning three years after Yvette’s passing, Yvonne and Belle were waiting to find out if Belle had been accepted into the prestigious summer ballet program at the School of American Ballet in New York City. Yvonne prayed, “Oh Lord, if this program would be good for Belle, please answer with a YES.”
At that moment, Yvonne heard a soft voice in her head say, “You know, a few years ago I held a private audition in Heaven for a little ballerina.” This message brought tears to Yvonne’s eyes as she began to envision her dear Yvette dancing in paradise. Yvonne imagined the amazing sights set before her daughter, and the fantastic adventures she must be experiencing. The steady stream of heavenly images dwelled in Yvonne’s mind, and offered healing and sweetness to her pain. Feeling inspired as her broken heart began to mend, Yvonne decided to share her impressions with others in hopes of helping them as well.
Composing her thoughts as though Yvette was writing a letter to her from Heaven, Yvonne reflected on the things Yvette loved the most while she was here on earth: the Chronicles of Narnia, Mother Teresa, Monet paintings, ballet, guitar lessons, and leopards. Yvette, an animal lover, would often say, “When I get to Heaven, I’m going to have my very own leopard.”
At some point in our lives, we may encounter a moment when a young child asks about death and Heaven. This story is a tender and insightful way to introduce children to such a complex topic. A Letter from Heaven sparks curiosity and a desire to learn more about God’s love and His plan for our eternal life.
For those of you who have lost children, Yvonne hopes this book will help you imagine your child living a wondrous life in paradise.
(Note: Yvonne’s prayer was answered. Belle was accepted into the program in NYC, both to the School of American Ballet, and the American Ballet Theater. Belle is now happily married with two children. She still enjoys dancing.)